Ruth Ann Thickpenny

BRODHEAD/BROOKLYN-Ruth Thickpenny, of Brodhead and formerly of Brooklyn, passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2018.  She was born on June 4, 1951, at her grandparents' home in Mt. Sterling, the daughter of the Rev. Richard and Darleen Rem. Ruth graduated from Madison General School of Nursing and also attended Luther College.  Her life was dedicated to the nursing profession.  She worked at St. Clare Hospital in Monroe for nearly 10 years, and then 32 years at Meriter Hospital in Madison.  In both hospitals, she first worked in adult intensive care and then in surgical recovery.  Ruth loved her work and the people she cared for.  She married the Rev. Richard Thickpenny in 1973. Together they served parishes, first in Durand, Ill., and then in Southern Wisconsin. Ruth loved everything music, she had a beautiful voice, a melodic soul, and a kind and gentle heart. She was a person of great faith, generous spirit, and energetic in everything she did.  Her husband thanks her for teaching him to be a better pastor and person through all the 44 years they were married. Together they both enjoyed gardening, raising a greenhouse full of plants each year, and biking many of the state trails.  Ruth is survived by her husband, the Rev. Richard Thickpenny; son, Stephen; brothers, Paul Rem (Erica Fishman), David (Margie) Rem and Steve (the Rev. Michelle) Rem; and nieces and a nephew.  She was preceded in death by her son, Christopher; and her parents.  Funeral services will be held at GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1025 15th Avenue, Monroe, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018.  Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1150 Park Street, Oregon, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 12, 2018, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.  Our thank you to Dr. Luke Fortney, Dr. David Hei, the medical staff on the 8th floor of Unity Point Meriter Hospital and also to Agrace HospiceCare for their excellent and loving care of Ruth. Thank you to so many who lifted Ruth's and her family's spirit with their prayers and visits. Ruth lived in the reality that "God’s grace was sufficient for her."                                                                               Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care 1150 Park Street (608)835-3515